Press Release

PUC Recognizes Safe Digging Month; Urges Residents to ‘Know What’s Below. Call Before you Dig’ by Calling 8-1-1

Published on 4/1/2013

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – Emphasizing the importance of safe digging during spring projects and recognizing April as Safe Digging Month, today the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) reminds utilities, residents and contractors to use safe digging practices.

“Consumers should dial 811 and that will connect them with the Pennsylvania One Call system and in doing so, it allows the One Call system to then alert all the utilities within the area where you are intending to dig and the utility companies will come out and mark where the utilities are located on the properties,” said PUC Vice Chairman John F. Coleman in a video news release.  “We have seen incidents where property owners are installing a mailbox post or basketball hoop and they innocently dig in their yard to find out they hit a gas line, water line or electric line and that, obviously, will cause significant problems.”

“It’s simple. It’s convenient. It’s easy to remember, and whether it be power lines, communication cables, natural gas pipelines or water lines, they are all at varying lengths underground so it’s really important you call Pennsylvania One Call at 8-1-1,” said PUC Commissioner Pamela Witmer in a video news release.  “It’s the season for spring  construction and home projects, and the PUC really wants all Pennsylvanians to know what’s below and call before they dig.  It’s really very simple. Just call 8-1-1.”

In Pennsylvania, utilities, contractors and homeowners are required by law to call 8-1-1 at least three business days before using power equipment to make certain underground utility lines are marked.  The PUC provided the regulatory support needed to allow Pennsylvania to join the nation with 8-1-1 abbreviated dialing.  An informational brochure on the “Know What’s Below.  Call 8-1-1 before you dig” campaign is also available on the PUC website under the Consumer Education link.

Pennsylvania One Call System Inc. is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit corporation established in 1972.  Their purpose is to prevent damage to underground facilities.  To promote safety, they provide an efficient, cost-effective communications network among designers, excavators, and facility owners.  Before digging begins, PA One Call facilitates contact between those wishing to excavate a particular location with the owners and operators of underground facilities nearby, including public utilities.  All excavators and residents must contact PA One Call at least three business days prior to excavation, as required by law.  The service is offered at no cost to homeowners.  For more information, please visit www.PaOneCall.org.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner. 

For recent news releases, video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov.  Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility.  “Like” PAPowerSwitch on Facebook for easy access to information on electric shopping.

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Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov